Purchased 1st Kayak Tonight

[Powder River]

After 6 weeks of demos & research, I bought a Wilderness Systems Ride 115 Advanced Angler tonight.  Could not be happier with decision, the deal I got, etc.  Hope this cough goes away by the morning so I can go to work & don't have to call in sick... :-)

[Slip Sinker]

Congrats! Be sure to post some pictures of the maiden launch

[David, aka, "McScruff"]

The Ride is a state of the art piece. That new seat looks to be a dream.
You should love it.
Money well spent. Congrats.

[Ray Ditzenberger]

I ended up buying a used 135 ride. I was hopeing for a dry ride and fairly easy to maintain a straight line in the wind across some open water. I also hope to be able to stand and fly cast. We will see. Wilderness does seem to design nice, functional boats. It is a little heavy for this old fart but I have no intentions of dragging very far or car topping so it should work out oK. If not I will sell it and look for a Kevlar solo canoe.

[David, aka, "McScruff"]

The weight of the 135 is probably its one drawback. But that's the nature of the beast.
you can't have a double hull, with that much plastic and still make it one-arm light.
The trade off is great stability, and great capacity.
The improved seat should be your first modification, as it facilitates
getting into a standing position. Must people who flail the long rod from
a kayak also attach a hand strap for'ard to help pull themselves up.

Be sure to test this evolution first, unloaded and in shallow water!

[Ray Ditzenberger]

I have not yet had it in the water but it is heavy and hard to handle for this old fart. I do expect it to be dry so it can be usable during colder months. I did add a rope with a handle to assist me in getting into a standing position. Also a paddle leash and rod leash. I have yet to install a paddle holder on the side but It is ready to install. It has an anchor traveler on the side which I am not sure I will mess with an anchor but I am considering a stakeout pole of about 5 or 6'. I will not be adding electronics, at least here in TN. If I get to an area of marsh with lots of canals and islands I may get a GPS to keep from getting lost. ......I really want to wear a PFD but it is so hot here that I am not sure I will be able to stand it. Won't take long to figure that one out.

[Powder River]

Took this picture right after take off.  It was the new yak's maiden voyage this morning.  Caught 2 small LMB & a half-dozen 'gills.  Had a blast.  Didn't take any pics of the fish as it got pretty windy - I need to get a waterproof camera so the cellphone can stay in the car!

[Brian Jones]

Ray and Powder, it sounds like your onto a good start. Ray please get you a PFD, a fella back drown, he had a pfd but decided to sit in it. His parents bought him the yak paddle and pfd as a gift, facing that loss had almost ruined his mom n dad.

Look around for ones that fit well and wont hold in heat.  The self inflating ones are super cool and comfortable. But they are costly.  Just dont put yourself at risk, its really not worth it.